Reopening of North Korea to International Tourism

Introduction

International tourists will, for the first time since almost five years of closure, be let into North Korea by the end of 2024. The news for reopening of North Korea to international tourism broke as a milestone for those eyeing trips into one of the world’s most secretive and reclusive states. According to two tour firms—both with deep links to North Korea—the country’s reopening would be gradual, especially into the hilly city of Samjiyon.

A Look Into the Future: Visiting Samjiyon

It is expected to readmit first tourist groups to Samjiyon, a city of immense historical and cultural value. Samjiyon is not only a place of tourism; it is also inauspicious as the reported birthplace of late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, hence giving expression to rich history. Known throughout the region, Koryo Tours and KTG Tours announced that tourism in Samjiyon would return with itineraries slated for completion within weeks.

Koryo Tours added that while Samjiyon is the first to reopen, other places like Pyongyang might also be opened to visitors. It is this gradual reopening which gives one an extraordinary opportunity to discover North Korea’s mystique, starting at one of its most sacred sites.

Relevance of Samjiyon and Mount Paektu

Samjiyon is situated at the base of Mount Paektu, the highest summit in Korea which is a pride for all Koreans. Indeed, to both North and South Koreans, Mount Paektu has significance greater even than being a mountain. It speaks of the very roots of their country. This volcano is considered the cradle of the Korean people, and many North Koreans view reaching its peak as a pilgrimage.

It is politically significant, too. In 2021, South Korea’s ex-President Moon Jae-in and First Lady Kim Jung-sook went to Mount Paektu with North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, For the ruling Kim family, the “Paektu bloodline” is still a source of legitimacy inseparably bound with the narrative of leadership in North Korea.

Tourism and the North Korean Economy

Before the pandemic, Samjiyon had been a favorite destination of Chinese tourists, often visiting in large groups. Tourism is one of the major sources of economy for North Korea despite many sanctions against the country. Reopening of tourism, although small in scale, could give much-needed economic boost.

In July 2024, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected construction projects in Samjiyon County to refurbish the area for tourism. The move is in line with the government’s larger plan of inviting visits from “friendly” states—chiefly China and Russia.

Planning Your Trip to North Korea?

It is pertinent to mention that there is no news of reopening by North Korean state media up until now. Nevertheless, these two statements from Koryo Tours and KTG Tours give us reason to be optimistic about North Korea’s tourism future. If you want to explore this fascinating country, you should begin making arrangements now.

Always keep in mind that visiting North Korea may not be compared with visiting any other region. Travelers need to be properly prepared because of the rigid laws and regulation imposed on travelers. Lastly, here is the link to our post on the Top 10 Countries to Visit on a Low Budget. An adventure awaits for those drawn to some of Europe’s well-hidden treasures or some of North Korea’s mystic allure.

Conclusion

Planning a North Korea vacation could be one of the most memorable travel experiences you ever take. With tourism very, very slowly starting to evolve, areas like Samjiyon and Mount Paektu will give peeks into a country that otherwise has remained hidden for a long, long time. Continue to watch for updates on travel agendas and guidelines when North Korea re-opens to international visitors once more.

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